Truefitt & Hill

Our History

THE BEGINNING

The story of the Oldest Barbershop in the World, as recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014, began in fashionable Mayfair in 1805, the year of Nelson's victorious Battle at Cape Trafalgar, while King George III sat on England's throne and William Pitt the Younger served as its Prime Minister. This was the era of fine craftsmanship, innovation and styling which set the scene for a history that is colourful, inventive and pioneering.

Catering to the exacting standards of London's gentry, when vanity and good grooming were the essential mark of the gentleman, Truefitt offered its demanding clientele a new level of service unsurpassed anywhere in the world. From its array of exceptional products through to its legendary barbering services, there developed a heritage and sense of innovation that today marks Truefitt & Hill as the world leader in men's grooming.

WINSTON CHURCHILL AND FIELD MARSHALL THE VISCOUNT MONTGOMERY OF ALAMEIN

HISTORY AT EVERY TURN

Only at Truefitt is there such a sense of history at every turn. Page through novels by Charles Dickens and W. Thackeray and it becomes apparent that from its inception Truefitt played a pivotal role in preparing Britain's gentry not only for society events but also for their everyday lives. Consequently Truefitt is mentioned throughout modern English literature as a bastion of style and the highest quality service - a tradition we are proud to continue today. During Truefitt's unique history the company has had the honour of serving the Monarchs of Great Britain throughout nine consecutive reigns. Throughout this period, Truefitt has held a number of Royal Warrants, and being 'By Royal Appointment' is still the envy of other, less revered hairdressers. The Royal connection is continued to this day by Truefitt's barbers, who visit either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to attend H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, while other members of the Royal Family and the Royal Household visit Truefitt & Hill's Premises in St.James's.

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

Glancing at Truefitt's appointment books is like reading entries from a 'Who's Who' of distinguished society and names of those who shaped the history of the world are often recorded as patrons. Truefitt & Hill were honoured to include amongst their clientele almost all male members of the British Royal Family since George III, as well as numerous Royals of other European Courts, famous politicians such as William Gladstone, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, and Field Marshal the Viscount Montgomery of Alamain. Many other legendary figures from the world of the arts and entertainment, who have also enjoyed the legendary Truefitt's touch, include Charles Dickens, William M Thackeray, Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Beau Brummell, Alfred Hitchcock, Laurence Olivier, Danny Kaye, as well as the celebrated John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Stewart Granger, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant.

TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS FOR THE MODERN GENTLEMAN

GROOMED TO PERFECTION

Setting the standard for men's grooming took on a new and exciting approach in 1935 with Truefitt's acquisition of the hairdressing business of Edwin S. Hill & Co. With this event, the modern era of Truefitt & Hill was born. Today the company enjoys a reputation as a world-renowned barbershop offering a wide range of treatments and services designed to groom modern gentlemen to perfection. Truefitt's is also well known as a purveyor of the finest quality traditional English fragrances, shaving requisites and grooming products with names evoking a long forgotten elegance and grandeur of a bygone era.